UK Hampshire, Isle of Wight Begin Public Consultation on Local Government Reorganisation Plans

Twelve councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are consulting residents on proposals to reorganize local government by replacing the current 15 councils with five unitary authorities, aiming to simplify services and improve efficiency. The proposals include maintaining the Isle of Wight Council as a separate unitary authority and forming four new unitary councils around key hubs such as Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, and Basingstoke. Portsmouth City Council opposes being included in the reorganization due to its financial stability but is cooperating with other councils to develop acceptable plans, emphasizing the importance of local input. The consultation highlights different options for boundary changes and partnerships, with some councils advocating for configurations that preserve rural identities and service quality, as seen in the New Forest area. This reorganization is part of a broader government push for devolution and local government reform to transfer powers from Whitehall to regional authorities with elected mayors. The ongoing public survey seeks community feedback on these changes before final decisions are made.